Exercise Bar

ABSTRACT

An exercise bar having five linear segments wherein the segments are in bent relationship to each other that allow the user to accomplish a twist-like motion. The bar is symmetrical about a central vertical axis. The first and fifth segments of the bar are the hand-grips. The second and fourth segments each have a first end and a second end and connects to the hand grips at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to about 160 degrees at their first end. The second and fourth segments are attached at their second end to a central third segment which comprises an approximately a neck bar that is curved to fit the neck in an ergonomic fashion.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/896,141 filed Oct. 28, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Exercise Bar,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an exercise bar and, more particularly, the invention relates to an exercise bar for developing and maintaining core strength.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A strong core is absolutely needed for great athletic performance and is also helpful for the non-athlete as well. Whether you are an athlete or not, you will benefit from a strong core. The core is comprised of nearly 30 different muscles that basically wrap around your body in the area between your hips and ribcage. The area in between those two halves, the core, can be thought of as a ‘bridge’ that connects the two. It is that bridge, that connection which allows the upper and lower body to work together. When the core is not trained, there is definitely something missing in the functionality of the body, while a conditioned core is a strong and sturdy part of the body. It may go unnoticed but whether you do realize it or not you barely make a move without using your core. We use our core when we walk up and down stairs; bend down to pick something up, literally just about anything. It is your core that automatically engages and provides you with balance and stability. In regards to athletic performance, a strong, powerful and stable core makes all the difference. As you move through your sport of choice you are using your body at its most functional state, as a whole. The lower half and upper half need to work in together in order to effectively run, hit, twist, throw and jump, etc. (the list goes on). It is your core that is the basis for all of this movement and the strength or weakness of that core will dictate the strength and/or weakness of your athletic movements. Athletics and life require good balance. Your balance comes from your core; a strong core equals good balance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the exercise bar, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the exercise bar, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is an exercise bar for developing and maintaining core strength.

The exercise bar 10 of the present invention is composed of an injection molded thermoplastic, or a lightweight aluminum. The bar measures approximately 48 inches in length, and will be comprised of five linear segments in bent relationship to each other that allow the user to accomplish a twist-like motion. The bar is symmetrical about a central vertical axis. The first and fifth segments of the bar are the hand-grips 14, and each measures approximately 6 inches in length. The second and fourth segments each have a first end and a second end and each segment measures 14 inches and connects to the hand grips at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to about 160 degrees at their first end. The second and fourth segments are attached at the second end to a central third segment which comprises an approximately 10 inch neck bar 16 that is curved to fit the neck in an ergonomic fashion. The curve of neck bar 16 describes an arc of a circle having a radius of approximately 10 inches to 24 inches. In an embodiment, hand grips 14 and neck bar 16 are covered with foam coverings 20, for the comfort of the user and for increased ease of gripping the bar.

Use of the exercise bar of the present invention is simple and straightforward in nature. The user holds the two handles 14, while placing the neck segment 16 of the bar comfortably around the neck. With a pivoting motion, the user twists from side to side and back and forth, utilizing the prime muscle groups in the torso and waist area (mainly the pectoral, oblique, lateral, and abdominal groups). The user will complete this exercise repeatedly on a fairly regular basis should they desire noticeable results. Additionally, the user can modify or intensify the workout by varying the weight and incorporating different motions into its basic design.

The benefits and advantages of the exercise bar are readily obvious to anyone who strives to maintain a streamlined silhouette. Developing a lean, flat waist takes time and patience, especially when it comes to those last few pounds in those hard to lose places. The lower abs and “love handles” can be two of the most stubborn and exercise-resistant areas from which to lose fat. In fact, it can sometimes seem so hard to reduce those spots that many people become frustrated and resort to dangerous diet drugs or liposuction. Other people slave away day in and day out doing countless sit ups, side bends, and leg raises every day, all to no avail. There is only one way to lose fat in the so-called “stubborn areas,” and that is with the correct combination of proper diet, aerobic exercise, abdominal training, and weight training. The bar, in conjunction with the proper diet could effortlessly make the desire for a lean midsection, a reality. The bar targets the specific area in question by zoning in on the muscle groups responsible for definition. The bar is simple to use, lightweight and user friendly. Often times, intimidating machinery discourages people from striving for the lean look they so desperately desire. The bar can be picked up and incorporated into a daily routine by just about anyone of any size, physical condition or age. Those suffering from back injuries, or arthritis could without risk utilize this weight bar to their advantage. The bar's inherently ergonomic design makes the threat of injury a less daunting one. Many people associate sports injuries with suddenly snapped bones and ripped tendons, but the vast majority of injuries come on gradually. Stress that builds over weeks or months can cause aching sprains, stress fractures, pulled or torn muscles, and overall tenderness. These problems strike most people at one time or another. Doctors call them “overuse injuries,” but you don't necessarily have to work out extra hard or long to get them. Exercise is something many people find challenging to incorporate into their regular lives, out of laziness coupled with overall exhaustion from leading their day to day lives. The bar makes the notion of working out fun and safe, thus fostering a healthier attitude toward the idea.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise bar comprised of five linear segments in bent relationship to each other that allow the user to accomplish a twist-like motion, wherein the exercise bar is symmetrical about a central vertical axis, wherein the first and fifth segments of the bar are the hand-grips, the second and fourth segments each have a first end and a second end and connect to the hand grips at their first end at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to about 160 degrees, and further the second and fourth segments are attached by their second end to a central third segment which comprises a neck bar that is curved to fit the neck in an ergonomic fashion.
 2. The exercise bar of claim 1 wherein hand-grips each measures approximately 6 inches in length.
 3. The exercise bar of claim 1 wherein the second and fourth segments measure approximately 14 inches and connects to the hand grips at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to about 160 degrees.
 4. The exercise bar of claim 3, wherein the second and fourth segments are attached at their second end to a central third segment which comprises an approximately 10 inch neck bar that is curved to fit the neck in an ergonomic fashion.
 5. The exercise bar of claim 4 wherein the curve of the neck bar describes an arc of a circle having a radius of approximately 10 inches to 24 inches.
 6. The exercise bar of claim 4, further comprising foam coverings on hand grips and neck bar, for the comfort of the user and for increased ease of gripping the bar.
 7. The exercise bar of claim 4, wherein the bar comprises aluminum.
 8. The exercise bar of claim 4, wherein the bar comprises thermoplastic material. 